KCNA Cloud Native Architecture Practice Question
An application requires external configuration that varies between environments (dev, staging, prod). Following the 12-factor app methodology, how should this configuration be provided?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use environment variables
The 12-factor app methodology recommends storing configuration in environment variables to keep it separate from code and vary per deploy.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use environment variables
Why this is correct
12-factor apps store configuration in environment variables to keep it separate from code.
- ✗
Store configuration in a config file that is version-controlled
Why it's wrong here
Configuration should not be version-controlled as it varies per environment.
- ✗
Use a centralized database for configuration
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the 12-factor methodology specifically recommends environment variables.
- ✗
Hard-code the configuration in the application code
Why it's wrong here
Hard-coding configuration violates the 12-factor principle of separating config from code.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This KCNA practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the KCNA exam.